Pocono Writers Conference
April 18, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hughes Library, Stroudsburg
SCHEDULE
9:00: Check in
9:15: MICHAEL A. VENTRELLA: Introductions
9:30: CAROL GYZANDER:“Best Practices for Handling Submissions and Working with Your Editor”: You’ve finished your story or novel—congratulations! Let’s talk about submitting your work for publication and best practices for the process, including final preparation, format, and working with the editor once it is accepted. This session is for newer authors as well as more experienced ones. We’ll talk about how to develop a good relationship with a publication so that they will be delighted to have you back again.
10:45: MATTHEW BIRKBECK: “Research”: Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction, it is important to do your research. How much to do? Where to find it? And how do you work it into your writing so that it fits without being intrusive?
11:45: Lunch (not provided, but there are lots of places nearby or you can bring your own)
12:45: RUSS COLCHAMIRO: “Mystery Writing: Not for Mysteries Only”: In this presentation, we will delve into the writing structure of revealing and concealing, building tension, pulling readers into the narrative whether you’re writing a traditional mystery or not, all to leave readers wanting more until the very last word.
2:00: VAUGHNE HANSEN: “Diamonds May be Forever but Copyright is for the Author’s Lifetime Plus 70 Years”: It is not on how to planfor what happens to your work after you die. But rather it is about what actually happens to your work after you die and why everyone should have a plan in place..
3:15: MICHAEL A. VENTRELLA: Panel Discussion and Question and Answer session with all panelists
Admission is free but seating is limited. Please only sign up if you are sure you will be attending. If you later discover you cannot attend, please delete your reservation so there will be enough room for everyone. Do not reserve space for anyone other than yourself — if there is more than one reservation under your name, the extra ones will be deleted.
This event is always free, but seating is limited. Reserve your ticket here.
Pocono Liars Club Writers Workshop
October 3, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hughes Library, Stroudsburg
Details to follow.
Kelly Jensen 